Will set for Vale run-out

AFC Wimbledon will have first-team experience in the ranks at Raynes Park Vale tomorrow night with Will Nightingale among those pencilled in for Alan Reeves’ development squad.

Defender Nightingale (pictured) missed the trip to Margate after picking up a knock so he will be given game-time at Grand Drive (7.45 pm kick-off). David Fitzpatrick will also figure, along with Toyosi Olsuanya, Joe McDonnell and Egli Kaja, who has recovered from illness.

Coach Alan Reeves said: “Will and David need minutes after missing the Margate game and we also have other players who signed professional contracts last season. I want to see if the young lads have progressed and that they’ve taken on board things from last season. It’s always more difficult in the second season as a professional for a young lad because the expectations are higher. We want our young lads to kick-on during the next season.”

Paul Kalambayi will partner Nightingale in defence and George Oakley will be given a 30-minute run-out to ease him in after six months out.

The match at Raynes Park will bring back memories of AFC Wimbledon’s early seasons when the two sides met in the Combined Counties League. There will be a familiar face from those days in the Raynes Park Vale dug-out as former Don Gavin Bolger is currently first-team manager.